Lac du Bonnet Airport

Lac Du Bonnet Airport sits on the eastern edge of Manitoba's Whiteshell region, serving as a general aviation facility that connects pilots to the Winnipeg River system and Lac du Bonnet itself. The airport features a single paved runway oriented 16/34, approximately 900 metres long, and a separate float plane docking area on the lake a few hundred metres from the runway. It handles mostly private aircraft, charter flights, and seasonal float plane traffic. For pilots seeking a day trip destination with good fishing or a scenic place to land, this airport offers straightforward access to one of Manitoba's most popular cottage and recreation areas.

Getting There

Lac Du Bonnet Airport is located about 100 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, a drive of roughly 1.5 hours by car. From downtown Winnipeg, take Highway 59 north to the junction with Provincial Trunk Highway 44, then head east through the community of Ste. Rita. At the intersection with Highway 313, turn north and follow the signs into the town of Lac du Bonnet. The airport is situated just south of the town centre, off Airport Road. There is no public transit to the airport; private vehicle or taxi are the only options for ground transport. For pilots flying in, the airport is uncontrolled with a mandatory frequency of 123.2. The nearest larger airports with fuel and maintenance are in Winnipeg and Pine Dock.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Lac Du Bonnet Airport is a modest building offering the basics. A single room serves as the passenger waiting area, furnished with a few chairs and a counter. The airport has a confirmed wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park, making it usable for travellers with mobility needs. There is a toilet on site, but no food, vending machines, or retail services – plan to bring your own snacks and drinks. The atmosphere is quiet and personal; you may be greeted by airport staff or the owners, who live nearby. Check-in for general aviation is informal – typically a logbook and a friendly chat. Float plane operations happen at the lake, where a small dock and ramp allow for embarkation and disembarkation. The runway itself is well-maintained, with clear markings and no major obstacles.

Lac Du Bonnet Airport and Lac du Bonnet

Lac du Bonnet is a small town of about 1,000 year-round residents that swells with summer visitors drawn to the lake's warm waters and excellent fishing. The lake is part of the Winnipeg River drainage system, known for walleye, northern pike, and perch. The airport plays a key role for those who want to fly in for a day of fishing, especially during the May-to-October season. Float planes are common, taking off and landing on the lake's glassy surface. Beyond fishing, the area offers camping, hiking in Whiteshell Provincial Park, and boating. The town itself has a few restaurants, a grocery store, and a marina.

Notably, the airport doubles as a wedding venue. The owners have hosted ceremonies on the runway or beside the lake, providing a bottle of wine and good cheer to couples. One memorable story involves a wedding in 2012 when the weather defied the forecast and turned picture-perfect, with a ferry boat passing by and guests smiling. The calm waters and scenic backdrop make the airport a unique and intimate setting for special events. For families, the area is kid-friendly – shallow beaches, fishing off docks, and quiet campfires. The airport's location also makes it a popular day trip for pilots from Winnipeg, who can land, rent a boat or walk to the town, and return home in a few hours.

Practical Information

Lac Du Bonnet Airport is not open every day; limited hours are in effect, with reported busy times on Monday at 7 pm, Tuesday at 4 pm, Wednesday at 6 pm, and Thursday at 7 am. Pilots must call ahead to confirm availability and to arrange any fuel, which may not be self-serve. The airport phone number is +1 204-997-9435. There is no website; contact by phone is the best way to inquire about bookings, float plane access, or wedding venue arrangements. Parking is free and ample, including designated wheelchair-accessible spots. The runway is not lighted, so operations are restricted to daylight hours. For those planning a fishing trip: bring your own gear and a cooler, as there is no on-site store. Also note that cell reception can be spotty near the lake. One actionable tip: if you are flying in on a weekend or holiday, call at least a week in advance to confirm the airport will be open – private requests can sometimes open the doors outside regular hours.